‘She is our hero’: Oakland celebrates Alysa Liu after Olympics triumph

Hundreds of cheering supporters filled downtown Oakland this week to honor hometown figure skating sensation Alysa Liu following her extraordinary performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she won two gold medals — a feat that has captivated fans across the United States and sparked widespread celebration in her home community.
Liu, 20, became the first U.S. woman in 24 years to win Olympic gold in individual figure skating at the latest Games, capping her comeback after taking a brief break from the sport to focus on college and personal growth. She also helped Team USA claim gold in the mixed team event, solidifying her status as one of the standout athletes of the Winter Olympics.
The celebration, held outside Oakland City Hall in Frank Ogawa Plaza, drew an estimated 5,000 fans, friends and family members who came to applaud Liu’s achievements and recognize her impact on her community. Mayor Barbara Lee presented Liu with the key to the city during an emotional rally, praising her resilience, athletic brilliance and the pride she has brought to The Town.
“We celebrate not just her medals,” Lee said, “but her heart, her determination and how she represents the spirit of Oakland.” The crowd erupted at Lee’s words, waving flags, banners and signs that read things like “Oakland’s Olympian” and “Town Pride.” Local musicians and student performers also took the stage, turning the event into a community festival as much as it was an athletic tribute.
Unlike traditional parades or motorcades, Liu explicitly wanted a celebration that reflected her personality and her roots. According to reports, she asked for a community‑centered event that would bring people together rather than a large procession, believing it would better capture the culture and diversity of her hometown.
Oakland’s connection to Liu goes back years. She trained at the nearby Oakland Ice Center and briefly attended the Oakland School for the Arts, forging bonds with coaches and local skaters who watched her journey from a prodigious youth athlete to a world and Olympic champion.
Local residents described the celebration as a moment of unity and inspiration. “She’s one of ours,” said longtime Oakland resident Maria Torres. “Seeing her on the Olympic stage and now here in our city reminds all of us what’s possible when you keep pushing for your dreams.” Others noted that Liu’s return to the sport and her eventual victory had inspired a new generation of young athletes in the Bay Area, especially girls who see themselves in her story.
In her brief remarks to the crowd, Liu expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and spoke about what her journey has meant to her. “Oakland gave me my start,” she said. “Everything I’ve done, every jump and spin I landed, I carry you with me.” She reflected on the intensity of the Olympic experience — from rigorous training and pressure to the joy of standing atop the podium — and acknowledged the community that rallied behind her at every step.
The rally also featured appearances from Bay Area personalities, including Grammy‑winning artist Kehlani, who performed to energize the crowd, and other notable figures who emphasized the cultural pride Oakland feels for Liu’s achievements.
For many fans in attendance, the celebration was more than a tribute to athletic accomplishment — it was a chance to reaffirm a sense of community and resilience. Oakland has long been known for its rich cultural history and its outsized contributions to arts and sports, and Liu’s success has only amplified that reputation.
“I think what Alysa means to Oakland goes beyond skating,” local coach Phillip Hamilton said. “She shows young people here that no matter where you come from, you can compete on the biggest stages in the world and still stay true to who you are.”
The celebration unfolded against a backdrop of wider enthusiasm for Liu’s accomplishments. Social media buzzed with congratulatory messages from fans, team members and fellow athletes, while murals and tributes appeared across Oakland in the days following her return. Even local businesses got in on the festivities, with one historic ice cream shop offering Liu “ice cream for life” in recognition of her achievements.
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As the homecoming event drew to a close, Liu was surrounded by cheering supporters who lingered long after the official program ended, taking photos, sharing stories and celebrating not just a champion, but a symbol of Oakland’s indomitable spirit. With her feet firmly planted on her hometown’s soil, the figure skating hero carried with her not just gold medals, but an enduring legacy of courage, community and pride.